Do you ever imagine how your future will be? I’d like to guess that you have. You imagine how your business will be in the next five years, where you’d want to live, and even with who. But do you know that imagining is not enough to bring all these things to a reality? It would help if you had an action plan to realize these goals; this is where long-term goal setting comes into play.
What are Long-Term Goals?
In simple terms, long-term goals are things you want to achieve in the future; they comprise short-term goals that act as stepping stones to achieve long-term goals. Although long-term goals act as the compass as you go through this process, short-term goals make the process less daunting by breaking them into smaller achievable goals.
The Clarity in Decision Making
Imagine this, you are wandering in town and come across a split on the road. Since you don’t have a clear destination in mind, this becomes a hard decision. This would have been a straightforward choice if you were headed to a specific place. Although real-life choices are not left or right, it’s easier to sort things out and choose that which serves you with a clear plan. Your long-term goals serve as a north star.
Motivation
Long-term goals give you an intrinsic motivation -the inner drive to succeed that comes from within rather than external factors. Let’s take an athlete, for example, let’s assume they want to win the NFL and they have to stay in shape. This means they will have to visit the gym whether they like it or not. They will be motivated by the fact that they aim to achieve something.
Focus
With no clear goals, your efforts will be in vain. Goals ensure you make the most out of each day and waste zero time; this way, you are productive.
Beat Procrastination
Procrastination is the thief of success; almost everyone battles with this from time to time. However, with clear and specific goals, you understand the danger of procrastination. You realize that procrastination is wasted time, another day that passes by without moving closer to your goals. Pablo Picasso said, “Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone.”
Measure progress
Tracking your progress towards reaching a particular goal is only possible if you have one in place. Measuring your progress can be very rewarding and can help you keep your head high, maintain your focus, and stay gassed up. Although sometimes you might measure your progress and feel you haven’t yet arrived, you will find fulfillment in that you are moving in the right direction.
Finally, we might find days passing by without clearly set long-term goals without making significant progress. However, with clear set goals, life becomes easier as we have something to work towards each day. Having long-term goals is the vehicle that will help you achieve those dreams that previously seemed unattainable. Therefore, stop wishing and start planning.